Alex Scott is one of Britain’s most recognisable sports presenters — a former England international footballer turned beloved television personality. Over the years, public curiosity about her personal life has grown alongside her media profile. As a proud LGBTQ+ public figure, Scott has been increasingly open about her relationships, offering fans a glimpse into both her past and her present. This article explores everything known about the Alex Scott partner story, from her first love to her current relationship with pop star Jess Glynne.
A Private Person Who Chose to Speak Out
For much of her career, Alex Scott kept her personal life carefully guarded. Even as she became a fixture on BBC’s Match of the Day and Football Focus, she rarely allowed the public into her romantic world. It wasn’t until her 2022 memoir, How (Not) To Be Strong, that Scott truly opened the door. She described having walls built around herself for years — not just to protect her own privacy, but to shield the people she loved. That shift toward openness has since transformed how fans understand her as a person.
The First Love: Kelly Smith
The most significant revelation in Scott’s memoir was her long-term relationship with Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith. The pair first became teammates during Scott’s second stint at Arsenal between 2005 and 2009, and later played together for the Boston Breakers in the United States. Scott described falling “madly and deeply in love” with Smith, and the two shared a relationship that lasted approximately eight years. Despite its length and emotional depth, the romance was kept almost entirely private, unknown even to most people close to them.
“I fell in love with her. It was my first love — I just didn’t know how to talk about it.” — Alex Scott, How (Not) To Be Strong (2022)
Why the Relationship Was Kept Secret
Scott has spoken candidly about why she and Kelly Smith chose to keep their relationship hidden from public view. At the time, women’s football was far less visible than it is today, and the cultural climate around LGBTQ+ relationships in sport was considerably less accepting. Scott described the secrecy as a form of self-preservation in an environment that was not always safe or welcoming. Revisiting that era in her memoir allowed her to process the experience and reclaim her own narrative — a significant step in her journey toward self-acceptance.
A Period of Being Single and Self-Reflection
After her long relationship with Kelly Smith ended, Alex Scott spent several years single and focused on personal growth. In a 2022 interview with The Times, she spoke openly about recognising unhealthy patterns in past relationships and taking time to understand herself better. She described having spent years protecting herself emotionally, and expressed that she was finally ready to be loved again. That period of reflection clearly had a lasting impact — Scott has since credited it with preparing her for the healthier, more open relationship she now has with Jess Glynne.
Jess Glynne: Alex Scott’s Current Partner
Since the summer of 2023, Alex Scott’s partner has been chart-topping singer Jess Glynne, best known for her hits including “Rather Be” and “Hold My Hand.” The two first met in May 2023 at a restaurant, struck up a conversation, and gradually began dating. Their romance was a slow burn — both women were cautious about going public, wanting to build something solid before inviting scrutiny. By the end of 2023, they made their relationship official, attending the Attitude Awards together in matching outfits and sharing a sun-soaked Christmas holiday on social media.
Going Public and Embracing Their Relationship
Once Alex Scott and Jess Glynne decided to step into the spotlight as a couple, they did so with warmth and confidence. They turned heads at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in December 2024, arriving in co-ordinated black outfits and radiating evident affection. Glynne has spoken about feeling “really happy in love,” while Scott has described the quiet domestic moments — cooking pasta, sharing a glass of wine — as anchors of joy in an otherwise high-speed public life. Their dynamic appears grounded, private where it matters, and genuinely tender.
Looking Ahead: Marriage and the Future
During her appearance on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in November 2025, Scott spoke warmly and without reservation about her future with Glynne. She told campmates she was waiting for Jess to propose, saying: “I know my forever is with her.” In response, Glynne hinted on Instagram that a proposal might be coming, posting a ring emoji alongside a playful message. Scott has also touched on the idea of starting a family. For a woman who once kept her loves entirely hidden, her current openness about wanting a future with Glynne represents a remarkable and moving transformation.
FAQs
Who is Alex Scott’s current partner?
Alex Scott’s current partner is Jess Glynne, the British pop singer known for hits such as “Rather Be” and “Hold My Hand.” The pair began dating in 2023 and made their relationship public by the end of that year.
When did Alex Scott and Jess Glynne get together?
Alex Scott and Jess Glynne first met in May 2023 at a restaurant. They began dating that summer and officially went public as a couple in late 2023, attending events together and sharing glimpses of their relationship on social media.
Who did Alex Scott date before Jess Glynne?
Before Jess Glynne, Alex Scott’s most significant relationship was with former Arsenal and England footballer Kelly Smith. Scott revealed in her 2022 memoir that the two were in a secret relationship for approximately eight years, beginning when they were teammates at Arsenal and continuing during their time playing together in America.
Are Alex Scott and Jess Glynne engaged?
As of late 2025, Alex Scott and Jess Glynne are not officially reported to be engaged, though Scott has publicly expressed her wish to marry Glynne. On I’m a Celebrity, Scott said she was waiting for Jess to propose, and Glynne responded on Instagram suggesting she was ready to do so.
Why did Alex Scott keep her relationships private for so long?
Scott has explained that she kept her personal life private for years partly due to the cultural climate around LGBTQ+ relationships in sport, and partly as a form of emotional self-protection. She has since spoken openly about dismantling those walls and embracing a more authentic public self.
Conclusion
Alex Scott’s relationship journey is one of quiet courage and gradual openness. From a years-long secret love with Kelly Smith to her joyful, publicly celebrated relationship with Jess Glynne, Scott has transformed from a deeply private individual into someone willing to share her heart with the world. Her story resonates not just as celebrity news, but as a human story about self-acceptance, timing, and the courage to be loved openly. As she looks toward marriage and a shared future with Glynne, it’s clear that Alex Scott has found something she once feared to reach for.
